A Wilson Family Tree

Notes for Joshua Milton Brents


"Kentucky, A History of the State", ed. Perrin-Battle-Kniffin, Hart Co., 1887, p. 996
(obtained from post to SANDIDGE-L by Karen Jorgensen, 8 Oct 2002):

JOSHUA MILTON BRENTS, clerk of the Hart County Court, was born 3 Aug 1828. His father, Joshua Brents, was a native Kentuckian, born in 1788; held the rank of lieutenant in the war of 1812 - 14, and distinguished himself in gallantry at the battle of the Thames. He afterward located in Greensburgh, Ky., [sic] where he engaged in the general merchandise and tobacco freighting trade. He removed to Monroe, Hart Co., Ky., in 1820, where he resided until his death in 1865. He voted with the Whig party and was a strong Union man during the late war. His wife was a Miss Rebecca Worley, of Lexington, Ky; her death occurred in 1872. The family of which Joshua M. is the 5th, consisted of 9 children, 6 of whom are living: Maria L., who was thrice married; Samuel W.; John D., now a resident of Covington, Ky; Elizabeth M., who was twice married and is now a widow, residing in Louisville; Rebecca U. Rowlett, and Joshua M. John Brents, the father of Joshua, was a native of Maryland. He was one of the first settlers of Green Co., Ky; lived to the age of one hundred and 10 years, and his wife also lived upward of one hundred years; both were of Scotch parentage.

Joshua M. Brents was born in the village of Monroe, in Hart Co., where he grew to manhood. He received a common school education, and having a love for reading, he gained a fair knowledge of books and general literature. At the age of 20 years he engaged in the sale of books, which he followed for 2 years, after which he traded in merchandise for several years; was also engaged in the oil-producing business, which did not prove very lucrative and consequently he abandoned it. He was then employed as an agent for the Louisville & Nashville Railway Co. and Adams Express Co. for 5 years. Politically Mr. Brents is a Democrat. In 1866 he was elected clerk of the Hart Co. Court; through this and subsequent elections he has held the office for 19 years, and throughout all his official career has discharged the duties of his office with strict integrity and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. November 8, 1852 he was united in marriage with Susan J. Carden, of Hart Co. She died in 1863, leaving 2 children: Lizzie and Harrison G. His 2nd marriage occurred December 7, 1865, with Sarah E. Munford, daughter of T. Bowling Munford, of Hardin Co. To this marriage have been born 5 children: Bowling M., Kate, Rebecca R., Zorada M. and Wiley M. Mr. Brents is a Royal Arch Mason and a member of Bostwick Chapter. He and wife are members of the Christian Church.


According to "Brents, The Joshua Tree", he was clerk of Hart Co., KY, for 40 years.

Note: Some of the information in these pages is uncertain. Please let me know of errors or omissions using the email link above.    ...Mike Wilson
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